Eleven schools across the United States each have been awarded a HeartSine® Automated External Defibrillator (AED) package as winners of a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) poster contest sponsored by Project ADAM and HeartSine Technologies.

The poster contest, which was part of an important initiative to raise awareness of SCA, gave all U.S. elementary, middle, and high schools the opportunity to receive a defibrillator package, which could be placed on school grounds or school buses, or be available during sporting events.

In order to qualify, students had to create one poster from each school that addressed one or more of these SCA topics: symptoms of SCA, surviving SCA, and preparing for SCA. Posters were judged on school teamwork, design originality, visual appeal, and SCA awareness message clarity. Each poster was required to be created entirely by the students attending the school, without any adult assistance.

“School is the ideal place to build awareness of Sudden Cardiac Arrest, which is the leading cause of death on school property in the U.S.,” says Rene’ Williams, HeartSine’s Director of Global Marketing. “By educating our young, soon we’ll have an entire generation of people prepared and willing to come to the aid of a SCA victims. Groups like Project ADAM are making great strides in educating the public about SCA and the need for CPR training and AEDs.”

The response to the contest was tremendously encouraging. Students and faculty members across the country created innovative posters that truly recognized the importance of an AED, as many of the posters stressed the symptoms of Sudden Cardiac Arrest and the significance of housing AEDs on school property and at sporting events.

“Project ADAM is committed to raising awareness of Sudden Cardiac Arrest and the importance of AEDs and emergency action plans in schools,” says Allison Thompson, Project ADAM Administrator. “We are grateful to have partnered with HeartSine Technologies on this campaign, as it is crucial to give our youth and schools the tools and knowledge required to save a life.”

HeartSine and Project ADAM awarded 11 complete CPR/AED packages that include a HeartSine samaritan® PAD 350P AED with carrying case and Pad-Pak™, a wall case, and CPR and AED training for up to 12 people at each school.

HeartSine and Project ADAM congratulate the following 11 schools that were selected to receive a HeartSine AED package: